A Black Cohosh Extract Causes Hematologic and Biochemical Changes Consistent with a Functional Cobalamin Deficiency...

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Hematology
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Black cohosh rhizome is a popular dietary supplement for menopausal symptoms and dysmenorrhea.
• Previous studies indicated black cohosh dried ethanolic extract (BCE) can cause ineffective erythropoiesis and macrocytosis in female mice.
• This condition resembles megaloblastic anemia, prompting an investigation into its underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential mechanisms by which BCE induces hematological changes.
• To determine if BCE affects folate and cobalamin metabolism.
• To explore the impact of BCE on homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels.

Main Methods:

• Female B6C3F1/N mice were administered 1,000 mg/kg BCE or vehicle via gavage for 92 days.
• Comprehensive hematological and clinical chemistry analyses were performed on blood samples.
• Serum and red blood cell folate, serum cobalamin, plasma homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid (MMA) were measured.
• Folate levels in liver and kidney tissues were also assessed.

Main Results:

• BCE administration led to decreased red blood cell count and increased mean corpuscular volume.
• Significant reductions in reticulocyte, white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were observed.
• Increased plasma homocysteine and MMA concentrations were detected in BCE-treated mice.
• Blood smear analysis revealed Howell-Jolly bodies and basophilic stippling in treated animals.

Conclusions:

• BCE exposure in mice induced hematological and clinical chemistry alterations consistent with functional cobalamin deficiency.
• The findings suggest a potential impact on folate metabolism as well.
• Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the mechanism behind BCE-induced increases in homocysteine and MMA.